President’s Welcome

Why do we communicate? It’s a question AMWA Vice President Dr Sarah McKay and I pondered as we celebrated the closing of our 33rd conference in Auckland last August.

It is our responsibility, Sarah and I agreed, to inspire long-lasting, positive change; change at a personal level, change in the broader community, and change at a public policy level.

Thus, the theme for our 34th annual conference was resolved. Communicating for Change investigates how we can all raise the bar in our profession by being change advocates as well as excellent health communicators.

Over the past months, our 2017 conference committee has worked tirelessly to secure an incredible line-up of speakers. We are thrilled to welcome keynote Professor Robyn Williams, one of Australia’s most respected science journalists. Our program also features many leading, influential health and science communicators.

The professional development workshops will teach the essential skills expected of today’s top health communicators. Topics include best-practice health communication and social media, effective communication of scientific information, pitching to editors, and effective podcasting.

Learning and organising aside, the social program is always an important and popular conference feature. There will be plenty of networking and mingling opportunities during our morning tea and lunch breaks.

AMWA’s 34th annual conference promises to deliver on the association’s mission of promoting excellence in health and medical communications in Australasia. I look forward to welcoming you to stunning Manly Beach in August.

2017 Conference Commitee

Sponsors

About Manly

“Seven miles from Sydney and a thousand miles from care.” Manly and Port Jackson Steamship Company slogan, 1940.

The conference centre directly overlooks Sydney’s famous Manly beach. Situated just 18km (7 nautical miles) from the CBD, Manly is a premier destination for international tourists and domestic medical writers alike. The ocean views and modern facilities arguably make this the finest AMWA conference location in its 34-year history.

Professional Development Program (PDP)

Delegates have a choice between concurrent workshops on Friday morning (A or B) and Saturday afternoon (C or D). Workshops cost $120 each, and bookings are separate to conference registration. However, a discounted workshop rate applies, if linked to a full or day registration.

Places are limited and early booking is advised.

Workshop A: Pitch Perfect: how to make sure editors read your story ideas and commission you on the spot.

About: Your story ideas need an audience: the right audience. This workshop shows you how to reach the right people, the right way and at the right time.

Workshop B: How to produce a great podcast.

Presenter: Miles Martignoni, Guardian Australia podcast producer

About: As a seasoned trainer, podcast producer at the Guardian Australia, and all round audio production guru, Miles will teach you how to get started on your first podcast. All you need is a laptop, a smartphone and a great story! The workshop will cover tips on presenting and interviewing for audio, different styles and storytelling formats, recording tips, post-production editing, and finally getting it out there.

Workshop C: Using social media to grow your presence and build your business.

Presenter: Tim Crowe

About: As a professional health communicator, having a strong social media presence is a way to not only provide credible and practical messages to large audiences, but to also grow your business and brand. Tim will outline some of his top tips on how to work with, not against social media. Choose the right platform, find your voice, provide valuable and shareable content, and engage with your audience.

Workshop D: It’s an evidence-based world: effective communication of scientific information. Please note: this workshop is now sold out.

Presenter: Belinda Butcher

About: Regulators and clinicians rely on evidence to make clinical decisions. But is all evidence the same, and what responsibilities do medical writers have when reporting the evidence? Learn how to critically appraise the scientific literature to find the best evidence and ensure your reporting is accurate.

Registration

When you register you have the option of registering for the full two-day program or one out of the two days. You can also choose to attend one workshop on one or both mornings. Workshop fees are additional to the conference fees.

Note: AMWA is GST-exempt Conference registration includes:a ticket to the Welcome Reception, lunch and afternoon tea on each day, and a satchel and program for each delegate.

Payment can be made by credit card via a secure online payment gateway.

For alternate payment methods, please contact the Conference Secretariat. A Tax Invoice and conﬁrmation will be sent via email at the time of registration.

Venue

The conference will be held at the Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific, 55 North Steyne, Manly, NSW. For further information, visit the venue website at novotelmanlypacific.com.au

Moving to the conference dinner on Friday night entails just a one-minute stroll along the beach forefront to Hotel Steyne, 75 The Corso, Manly. Our room is Blacket’s bar, named after Sydney architect Edmund Blacket, who designed the hotel in 1859.

Getting There

Ferry: The Manly ferry from Circular Quay is a must-do for visitors and locals. Sydney ferries make the 30-minute trip regularly, day and night. The Fast Ferry takes 17 minutes.

Bus: Bus services connect Manly with the CBD, the Northern Beaches and, to the west, St Leonards and Epping.

Train: There are no train services running directly to Manly, but you can take a train to Circular Quay station and then a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf.

Parking: In Manly, several council and private car parks are available within 5 minutes’ walk of the Novotel. The hotel offers secure parking for guests.

Bus, train, and ferry timetables and information about fares, passes and attractions are available at www.transportnsw.info

Social Program

Welcome reception: Join the Conference Committee for preconference drinks and networking from 6-8pm on Thursday, 24 August. Tickets are included in the price of a full conference registration.

Annual conference dinner: Tickets are $70 for a three-course meal, including limited drinks with a cash bar available. The dinner is always a conference highlight.

Tickets can be purchased for these functions when you register for the conference.

Accommodation

The Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific is now fully booked. Alternative accommodation options around Manly or the CBD are available via Airbnb or Stayz.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations for registrations will only be accepted in writing to the Conference Secretariat. Registration cancellations made prior to 21 August 2017 will be refunded, less a cancellation fee of $100 to cover administration costs. No registration refunds will be made after this date. As an alternative to cancellation, a colleague may attend in your place if the Conference Secretariat is advised. Insurance Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is recommended that at the time you register for the Conference and book your travel, you take out an insurance policy of your choice. The Conference Secretariat and AMWA cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance.

Sponsorship and Display

Space Several sponsorship opportunities for sessions and workshop, satchel inserts and advertising in the delegates’ book are available. A sponsorship prospectus is available on the AMWA website: www.medicalwriters.org